Charleston, South Carolina is a captivating jewel of the American South in 2025. Its cobblestone streets hold stories of centuries past, while modern attractions offer unforgettable experiences for visitors. This charming coastal city has earned its reputation as one of the most enchanting destinations in the United States.

What makes Charleston truly special and Things to Do in Charleston SC:

Rich Historical Heritage: From antebellum mansions to preserved plantations, every corner reveals layers of American history
Vibrant Cultural Scene: Art galleries, museums, and theaters showcase both traditional and contemporary Southern culture
Natural Beauty: Miles of pristine beaches, scenic waterways, and lush gardens paint a picture of coastal paradise
World-Class Cuisine: Award-winning restaurants and food festivals celebrate Lowcountry flavors and innovative gastronomy

The city seamlessly blends its historical charm with modern amenities, creating an atmosphere where horse-drawn carriages share streets with trendy boutiques and innovative restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the battery’s historic mansions, kayaking through peaceful marshlands, or savoring fresh seafood at local markets, Charleston offers a travel experience that appeals to history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and culinary adventurers alike.

2025 brings exciting new attractions and renovated historical sites, making this year an ideal time to discover Charleston’s treasures. From the newly expanded International African American Museum to enhanced digital touring experiences, the city continues to evolve while preserving its authentic Southern charm.

1. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Exploring Historic Plantations

Charleston’s historic plantations are like living museums, inviting visitors to explore the rich and intricate history of the American South. These grand estates not only showcase impressive architecture but also boast beautifully maintained landscapes, making them a perfect destination for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

America’s oldest public gardens

The breathtaking Magnolia Plantation is home to the oldest public gardens in America, dating back to 1676. Its romantic-style gardens burst with vibrant colors year-round, featuring:

Ancient camellias and azaleas
Peaceful rice fields
Historic bridges and gazebos
Award-winning nature train tours

The plantation’s From Slavery to Freedom tour provides crucial insights into African American history, with preserved slave cabins and educational exhibits documenting the lives of enslaved people who built and maintained these grounds.

Middleton Place

A National Historic Landmark

This UNESCO World Heritage site exemplifies 18th-century plantation life through its:

Perfectly symmetrical French-inspired gardens
America’s oldest landscaped gardens
Rare collection of 18th and 19th-century furniture
Working stable yards demonstrating historical crafts

The 65-acre garden sanctuary features carefully planned terraces, reflecting pools, and butterfly lakes that showcase the height of European garden design in colonial America.

Boone Hall Plantation

America’s most photographed plantation

The iconic Avenue of Oaks, planted in 1743, creates a mesmerizing entrance with massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Boone Hall distinguishes itself through:

Original brick slave cabins
Live presentations on Gullah culture
Working farm operations
Seasonal events and festivals

The plantation’s “Black History in America” exhibit presents an authentic portrayal of slave life through live presentations and carefully preserved artifacts.

Visitor Tips:

Book tours in advance during peak season
Allow 2-3 hours for each plantation visit
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring sunscreen and water
Check individual plantation websites for special events and seasonal gardens in bloom

These plantations offer guided house tours, specialized programs, and seasonal events that bring history to life while acknowledging

2. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Outdoor Adventures on Charleston’s Waterways

Charleston’s intricate network of waterways creates a natural playground for water sports enthusiasts. The city’s creeks, rivers, and coastal waters offer diverse settings for kayaking and paddleboarding adventures throughout the year.

Prime Locations for Water Activities:

Shem Creek: Protected waters ideal for beginners with rich wildlife viewing opportunities, local outfitters offering equipment rentals, guided eco-tours available, and common dolphin sightings year-round.
Folly Beach: Perfect for both ocean paddling and creek exploration with surf lessons and board rentals, Morris Island Lighthouse views, bird watching opportunities, and seasonal sea turtle spotting.

Hidden Waterway Gems:

Bohicket Creek: Peaceful paddling through pristine salt marshes
Wappoo Creek: Scenic route connecting Charleston Harbor to Stono River
Morgan Creek: Quiet waters perfect for sunset kayaking

Seasonal Water Activities:

🌞 Summer: Early morning paddleboarding sessions, sunset kayak tours

🍂 Fall: Bird watching kayak expeditions, fishing trips

🌱 Spring: Nature photography tours, dolphin watching excursions

❄️ Winter: Oyster bed tours, clear-water paddling

Local Outfitters’ Services:

Equipment rentals (hourly, half-day, full-day options)
Guided tours for all skill levels
Safety instruction and basic technique lessons
Photography packages
Group booking discounts

Charleston’s waterways reveal hidden perspectives of the city’s landscape, from historic rice fields to untouched barrier islands. These water-based adventures provide intimate encounters with local wildlife and access to remote beaches unreachable by land. For those interested in bird watching during these excursions, consider taking a specialized tour that focuses on the unique avian species found in the area.

Alternatively, if you’re planning a trip to explore the Everglades’ birds and wildlife, you might find that some of the skills you acquire while kayaking in Charleston could come in handy. Just remember to respect the wildlife during your explorations – a good rule of thumb is to look but not touch, ensuring that these beautiful creatures remain undisturbed in their natural habitats.

3. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Immersive History and Cultural Tours

Charleston’s rich tapestry of stories comes alive through expertly guided tours that peel back layers of history spanning four centuries. These immersive experiences transport visitors through time, revealing hidden gems and local secrets that casual sightseeing might miss.

Historical Walking Tours

Charleston Heritage Pass Tours – Expert historians lead intimate groups through the city’s most significant landmarks, including:
Rainbow Row’s iconic pastel houses
The historic Charleston City Market
Antebellum mansions along The Battery
Hidden alleyways and secret gardens
Civil War History Tours – Specialized guides bring the city’s pivotal role in American history to life:
Fort Sumter departure point tours
Confederate Museum exhibits
Military history walking routes

Haunted Charleston Experiences

The city’s supernatural side emerges after dark through spine-tingling ghost tours:

Dungeon & Prison Tours – Explore the Old City Jail, home to Charleston’s most notorious criminals
Graveyard Tours – Visit centuries-old cemeteries while hearing tales of mysterious happenings
Haunted Pub Crawls – Combine spooky stories with spirits of another kind at historic taverns
Ghost Hunt Experience – Use paranormal investigation equipment in reportedly haunted locations

Culinary Heritage Tours

Charleston’s food scene blends traditional Lowcountry cuisine with modern innovations:

Downtown Culinary Tours
Sample authentic Charleston dishes at 4-5 restaurants
Learn about Gullah Geechee cooking traditions
Visit historic spice markets
Taste local specialties like she-crab soup and shrimp & grits
Chef’s Kitchen Tours
Behind-the-scenes access to award-winning restaurants
Cooking demonstrations from local chefs
Wine pairing sessions
Traditional sweetgrass basket weaving demonstrations

Cultural Heritage Experiences

Gullah Tours – Discover the rich African American heritage through:
Traditional craft demonstrations
Storytelling sessions
Musical performances
Historic site visits
Art Gallery Tours

4. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Family-Friendly Attractions in Downtown

Family-Friendly Attractions in Downtown Charleston

Things to Do in Charleston SC Downtown is full of attractions that are perfect for families. These places are designed to entertain children while also teaching them something new, making them ideal for visitors of all ages.

1. South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families. This 85,000-square-foot facility is home to various marine ecosystems and offers a range of interactive experiences. Here are some highlights:

Explore the diverse habitats of the aquarium, including freshwater rivers, coastal marshes, and the open ocean.
Get up close and personal with gentle stingrays at the interactive touch tanks.
Attend daily educational shows and feeding demonstrations to learn more about the fascinating creatures that inhabit our waters.
Experience the wonders of nature through immersive 4D theater presentations featuring rotating documentaries.
Marvel at the Great Ocean Tank, an impressive two-story exhibit holding 385,000 gallons of water and showcasing sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant fish species.

2. Sea Turtle Care Center

For families interested in marine conservation, the Sea Turtle Care Center offers a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures and their rehabilitation process. Here are some activities you can expect:

Go behind-the-scenes on guided tours of the rehabilitation facilities where injured sea turtles are cared for.
Participate in educational programs focused on sea turtle conservation efforts and the importance of protecting their habitats.
Discover the rescue and release processes through interactive exhibits that explain how these turtles are rehabilitated before being returned to the wild.
Meet marine biologists during daily presentations who will share insights into their work with sea turtles and answer any questions you may have.
Observe turtle treatments through observation windows, providing a rare glimpse into the medical care provided to these animals.

3. Additional Family Activities

In addition to the aquarium and care center, there are several other family-friendly activities in downtown Charleston:

Visit the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits and explore creative play spaces.
Spend time outdoors at Liberty Square, a waterfront park featuring splash fountains and picnic areas perfect for a family outing.
Discover natural history exhibits and educational programs at the Charleston Museum, where children can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.

These attractions not only offer entertainment but also provide opportunities for families to bond over shared experiences while learning about marine life and conservation efforts.

Exciting New Additions

Both the South Carolina Aquarium and Sea Turtle Care Center have exciting new additions planned for 2025 that will further enhance their offerings for young visitors:

1. Coastal Connections Exhibit at South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Coastal Connections,” will introduce virtual reality experiences allowing children to explore ocean environments without getting wet. Through this innovative technology, kids can actively participate in citizen science projects by collecting real data used by marine researchers.

2. Junior Veterinarian Programs at Sea Turtle Care Center

The Sea Turtle Care Center’s expanded rehabilitation facility will now offer junior veterinarian programs specifically designed for children aged 8-12. These programs will provide hands-on learning opportunities about marine animal medicine through guided activities such as administering treatments or conducting health assessments on recovering sea turtles.

Convenient Access for Families

These downtown attractions are conveniently located near restaurants and rest areas, making it easy for families to plan full-day visits. Here are some additional amenities provided by most venues:

Stroller rentals available onsite
Family restroom facilities ensuring comfort for visitors with young children

5. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Scenic Harbor Tours and Sailing Experiences

Charleston’s harbor sparkles with possibilities for maritime adventures. The historic waterfront offers an array of boat tours that showcase the city’s coastal charm from unique vantage points.

Popular Harbor Tour Options:

Sunset Cruises – 90-minute voyages departing from Charleston Maritime Center, offering breathtaking views of the Holy City’s skyline painted in golden hues
Dolphin Watch Expeditions – 2-hour guided tours through the harbor’s calm waters, where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play in their natural habitat
Historic Sightseeing Tours – Narrated journeys past Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and the Battery, bringing Charleston’s maritime history to life

Sailing Adventures:

Private charters aboard luxury yachts
Group sailing lessons for beginners
Half-day excursions to Morris Island Lighthouse
Wind-powered adventures on classic schooners

Best Times for Harbor Tours:

Sunrise: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (wildlife viewing)
Midday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (sightseeing)
Sunset: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (photography)

Many tour operators provide onboard amenities including:

Climate-controlled cabins
Full-service bars
Local cuisine sampling
Professional photography services

The harbor’s protected waters create ideal conditions for sailing year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures and steady breezes. Most tours depart from Charleston Harbor Marina, providing easy access to parking and nearby restaurants.

6. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Culinary Delights and Food Festivals in 2025

Charleston’s culinary scene reaches new heights in 2025 with an exciting lineup of food festivals and local dining experiences that showcase the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Every March, Marion Square is transformed into a food lover’s paradise for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. The 2025 edition promises an array of delectable offerings, including:

Celebrity chef demonstrations
Exclusive wine tastings
Farm-to-table experiences
Hands-on cooking workshops
Gullah cuisine celebrations

Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Mark your calendars for January 2025 when the beloved Lowcountry Oyster Festival makes its grand return to Boone Hall Plantation. As the world’s largest oyster festival, this event is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Get ready to indulge in:

Fresh local oysters prepared multiple ways
Oyster shucking competitions
Live music performances
Local craft beer tastings
Family-friendly activities

Must-Visit Local Establishments

No trip to Charleston is complete without a visit to East Bay Deli, a beloved institution serving up authentic local flavors with a modern twist. Be sure to try their signature dishes such as:

Charleston She-Crab soup
Lowcountry boil wraps
Fresh seafood platters
House-made sweet tea

2025 Pop-Up Food Events

In addition to the festivals and local establishments, Charleston has some exciting pop-up food events lined up for 2025:

Charleston Restaurant Week (September 2025)
Charleston Mac Off (December 2025)
Seafood Festival (April 2025)
Food Truck Festival (July 2025)

These events are perfect opportunities to explore the diverse culinary scene of Charleston and discover new flavors.

The city’s culinary calendar also features intimate chef’s table experiences, cooking classes at local restaurants, and seasonal food markets. These events highlight Charleston’s position as a leading culinary destination, blending traditional Southern flavors with innovative cooking techniques.

7. Using the Digital TourPass for Top Attractions in 2025

The Digital TourPass is changing the way visitors experience Charleston’s famous attractions in 2025. This innovative mobile pass gives access to over 40 top destinations in the city, offering significant savings compared to buying individual tickets.

Available Pass Options:

1-Day Pass: Perfect for quick visits
2-Day Pass: Ideal for weekend trips
3-Day Pass: Recommended for extended stays
5-Day Pass: Best value for comprehensive exploration

Key Attractions Included:

Fort Sumter National Monument
The Battery & White Point Gardens
Charleston Museum
Nathaniel Russell House
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
Charleston Harbor Tours
Gibbes Museum of Art

The pass starts working when you use it for the first time and stays active for consecutive days. You’ll get your pass instantly on your mobile device and can show it directly from your smartphone – no need to print anything.

Smart Features:

Real-time attraction availability
GPS-enabled directions
Digital guidebook access
Instant entry validation
Special seasonal promotions

In 2025, the Digital TourPass will have improved AR (Augmented Reality) features at certain locations, giving immersive historical context and interactive experiences. These augmented reality enhancements will provide pass holders with priority access during busy seasons and exclusive discounts at partner restaurants and gift shops.

Practical Tips:

Book passes online in advance
Download the companion app
Check attraction operating hours
Plan routes efficiently
Make advance reservations where required

The pass uses a simple scan-and-go system, so you won’t need paper tickets or multiple transactions at each venue.

8. Things to Do in Charleston SC: Annual Festivals and Events Throughout the Year in 2025

Charleston’s festival calendar is packed with exciting celebrations all year round in 2025. These events give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, no matter what season it is.

Winter Events

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (February 14-16): North America’s largest wildlife art and nature event showcases extraordinary exhibits, live demonstrations, and conservation education
Charleston Jazz Festival (January): A celebration of jazz heritage featuring local and international artists

Spring Celebrations

Festival of Houses and Gardens (March-April): Exclusive access to Charleston’s private historic homes and spectacular gardens
Cooper River Bridge Run (April): The city’s largest sporting event attracting 40,000+ participants
Spoleto Festival USA (May-June): 17 days of world-class performing arts, including opera, theater, and dance

Summer Festivities

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast: Spectacular fireworks display over Charleston Harbor
Charleston Summer Wine Festival (June): Featuring local wineries and international vintages
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival (June): Celebrating Gullah-Geechee heritage and crafts

Fall Gatherings

MOJA Arts Festival (September-October): African-American and Caribbean arts celebration
Charleston Restaurant Week (September): Special menus at the city’s finest dining establishments
Lowcountry Oyster Festival 2025 (October): The world’s largest oyster festival featuring local seafood, live music, and shucking contests

Holiday Season

Holiday Festival of Lights (November-December): James Island County Park transforms into a winter wonderland
Charleston Holiday Market (December): Local artisans showcase unique gifts and crafts

Conclusion

Charleston’s magnetic charm in 2025 creates unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Your visit deserves thoughtful planning to make the most of this historic coastal gem.

Essential Travel Tips:

Book accommodations in advance, especially during festival seasons
Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) for ideal weather
Reserve spots for popular attractions like plantation tours and culinary experiences
Download the Charleston Digital TourPass before arrival
Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring cobblestone streets

The true magic of Charleston lies beyond the well-trodden paths. Venture into local neighborhoods like Cannonborough-Elliotborough for authentic Lowcountry experiences. Strike up conversations with friendly locals who often share hidden gems – from secret garden spots to family-owned restaurants serving generations-old recipes.

Make time for spontaneous discoveries between scheduled activities. A morning stroll through Hampton Park might lead to a charming café, or an evening walk along The Battery could reveal a spectacular sunset view you hadn’t planned for.

Charleston’s blend of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty creates a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn to historic plantations, waterfront adventures, or culinary delights, this enchanting city promises memories that will last long after your visit ends.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the must-visit historic plantations near Charleston, SC in 2025?

In 2025, visitors to Charleston should explore prominent plantations such as Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, known for its extensive gardens and preservation of African American history; Middleton Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring beautiful formal gardens; and Boone Hall Plantation, famous for its iconic avenue of oaks and Southern plantation culture.

What outdoor water activities can I enjoy in Charleston’s scenic waterways?

Charleston offers exciting outdoor adventures like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Popular locations include Shem Creek and Folly Beach, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the city’s waterways while enjoying these fun activities.

Which immersive history and cultural tours are available in Charleston, SC?

Charleston provides a variety of guided tours in 2025 that delve into its rich past and vibrant culture. Options include unique ghost tours revealing spooky tales from the city’s haunted history, culinary tours showcasing local flavors and traditional Southern cuisine, and comprehensive history tours covering key landmarks.

What family-friendly attractions can we visit in downtown Charleston?

Families visiting downtown Charleston can enjoy attractions like the South Carolina Aquarium, which features diverse marine life exhibits and interactive experiences for kids, as well as the Sea Turtle Care Center offering educational programs focused on sea turtle conservation.

How can I experience Charleston Harbor through tours and sailing in 2025?

Visitors can take advantage of popular harbor tour options such as sunset cruises and dolphin-watching tours to see Charleston from a unique perspective. Sailing experiences on Charleston Harbor provide scenic sightseeing boat tours perfect for taking in the city’s waterfront charm.

What culinary events and food festivals should I attend in Charleston in 2025?

In 2025, food enthusiasts should attend renowned events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Additionally, local favorites such as East Bay Deli offer a taste of Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene throughout the year.

Top Things to Do in Charleston SC – 2025 Travel Guide

Table of Contents